(TibetanReview.net, Aug21, 2018) – It was not clear whether the Chinese government intended to convey a message by it. But China’s online Tibet news service eng.tibet.cn reported Aug 20 that Gyaltsen Norbu, the 11th Panchen Lama designated as such by Beijing way back in 1995 in place of Gedhun Choekyi Nyima recognized by the Dalai Lama, had on Aug 18 visited the sacred Lhamoe Latso lake in Gyaca (Tibetan: Gyatsa) County of Shannan (Lhokha) Prefecture in Tibet.

The lake had played a prominent role in the process for the recognition of the current, 14th Dalai Lama. The report said Gyaltsen Norbu held a worshipping ceremony at the lake that lasted about an hour.

It was on the basis of prayers held at the lake and signs reflected in the lake that had helped in the discovery of the current Dalai Lama as the reincarnation of his predecessor.

The report said this was the first time “Bainqen Erdini Qoigyijabu, the 11th Panchen Lama”, paid a visit to the lake. He was stated to have been joined by more than 30 monks in the worship ceremony.

China has made it clear that the reincarnation of the current Dalai Lama will have to take place as a historical imperative and that he will be someone born in a territory under its rule. It has passed regulations for this purpose, covering reincarnation of all the prominent leaders in Tibetan Buddhism. The Dalai Lama has made it clear, however, that his reincarnation can only take place in a free territory so long as the Tibet issue remained unsolved during his lifetime. He has ridiculed atheist Chinese leaders for seeking to take decisions which can only be based on religious belief.

Earlier, arriving at Lhokha on Aug 15, Gyaltsen Norbu, a member of the Standing Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and vice-president of the Chinese Buddhist Association, was reported to have addressed a welcoming ceremony, saying Tibetans must love the Party and the nation, uphold ethnic unity, and promote social harmony and stability.

If someone does not contribute to the harmony and stability of the society, he is not qualified to enjoy the fruits of stable development, he was reported to have said.

“People from all backgrounds should jointly contribute to the development and progress of the society, plant good seeds, and make their own efforts for a better future, under the leadership of the Party Central Committee and Party committees and governments at all levels, with Comrade Xi Jinping at its core,” he was quoted as saying.

This was stated to be Gyaltsen Norbu’s first visit to Lhokha in eight years.

Gyaltsen Norbu lives in Beijing and is brought on occasional visits to Tibet by the concerned Chinese government and party leadership.